Answer to Question #245796 in Physics for Jai

Question

1. Explain interms of impulse how padding reduces forces in a collision State this interms of a real example, such as the advantages of a carpeted vs. tile floor for a day care center.

2. Since astronauts in orbit are apparently weightless, a clever method of measuring their masses is needed to monitor their mass gains or losses to adjust diets. One way to do this is to exert a known force on an astronauts and measure the acceleration produced. Suppose a net external force of 50.0 N is exerted and the astronaut's acceleration measured to be 0.893 m/s, (a) calculate her mass: (b) by exerting a force on the astronaut, the vehicle in which they orbit experiences an equal and opposite force. Discuss how this would affect the measurement of the astronaut's acceleration. Proposed a method in which recoil of the vehicle is avoided. Write your answers to the space provided below.

Answer 1

1. As we know:

$$J=\Delta p=\frac Ft.$$

As we see, padding increases the distance between the falling objects (for example, patient's body) and the hard surface below the carpet, which decreases the impulse.

2. (a) The mass is

$$m=\frac Fa=56\text{ kg}.$$

(b) To avoid the influence of the inertia, the mass of the vehicle must be many times greater than the mass of the astronaut.